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Anatomy and Physiology

The kidneys lie on the posterior abdominal wall, the left kidney being slightly higher than the right. They are fist size, bean shaped, and weigh 5-6 ounces each. They each consist of an outer cortex containing glomeruli and tubules, and an inner medulla containing tubules. The 8-18 pyramids of the medulla open into calyces, which open into the renal pelvis, which will narrow into the ureter.

Approximately 1.2 liters of blood pass through the kidneys each minute and the kidneys contain about 70 miles of tubules.

The kidney cells are arranged in units called nephrons. Each nephron contains a glomerulis, Bowman’s capsule, tubule, and collecting duct. The glomerulis is a capillary network which blood enters through an afferent arteriole. Pressure forces fluid from the blood into Bowman’s capsule (a funnel like organ), and from they're into the tubules, and eventually the renal pelvis. The nephron (there are 1 million in each kidney) filters the blood, saving most of the water and important electrolytes. The rest: urea, creatinine, uric acid, excess sodium, potassium, chloride and hydrogen ions, are passed into the urine along with a few other substances the plasma secretes into the tubules. All in all over 99% of the fluid is reabsorbed, as well as 99% of the sodium, 98% of the amino acids, almost 100% of the glucose, 88% of the potassium, 60% of the urea, etc. Antidiuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary and aldosterone from the adrenals influence urine volume and sodium retention.

The kidney’s main function is to control the volume, composition, and pressure, of body fluids. Renin is a substance formed in the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidneys. It acts as a catalyst in forming angiotensin. Angiotensin stimulates aldosterone secretion by the adrenals. The mechanism effects our blood pressure. Angiotensin causes the kidney’s efferent arterioles to constrict. This constriction increases renal tubular reabsorption, thus increasing our blood volume and pressure.

1) Birth control pills, many other medications, (including diuretics), high intake of sugar and/or meat, not drinking enough water, EDTA (a food additive, also used in chelation therapy) can all cause kidney damage.

2) The protein in cows' milk, and also meat, and sugar, can stimulate kidney stone formation.

3) Parathyroid dysfunction due to its effects on calcium and phosphate absorption can lead to secondary kidney dysfunction.

4) Hypoadrenia (see adrenal chapter) can cause the adrenals not to respond to angiotensin and cause resultant blood pressure problems.

6) A high protein diet can cause kidney hypertrophy, due to the extra work the kidney must perform to rid the body of excess nitrogen and protein byproducts. Over time this can cause kidney disease. Excess protein intake will also cause the body to excrete more calcium - this can cause kidney stones or osteoporosis. Remember a diet of no more than 10-15% protein is ideal (10% fat, 75-80% unrefined carbohydrates).

7) Trauma or loss of muscle tone can cause the kidney to drop down (ptosis). This can cause a kink in the ureter and decrease urinary output.

8) High blood pressure or exposure to cold without dressing warmly enough can cause increased urine output and overwork the kidneys.

9) Alcohol retards pituitary ADH output, as does caffeine. This would cause an increase in urine output.

10) Nicotine stimulates ADH production leading to decreased urine output.

11) Other pituitary dysfunctions can cause altered ADH output and influence the kidneys.

10) Rub 2 reflex points: each is one inch above and one inch to the side of the umbilicus. Rub them for 1 minute each, 3 times a week, for 1 month (see Appendix B).

11) For calcium oxalate stones acidify the genitourinary tract using cranberry juice. If the stones are uric acid alkalize the body, use plantain tea, fresh grapefruit juice, lots of raw vegetables and fruits (except cranberries and plums). Eat no meat in either case.

One dramatic case was a friend of ours who one Saturday morning has his third attack of kidney stones. Previous attacks put him in the hospital for a week at a time with excruciating pain, vomiting, etc. He was on extensive pain medication orally and intravenously at those times.

In this episode we determined through history and urine pH that it was probably a uric acid stone. A group of 20 friends got together and prayed. We put a large hot fomentation over his lower thoracics and lumbar spine and folded it over onto his abdomen. We had him drink lots of plantain tea and fresh grapefruit juice. Within 3-4 hours his symptoms were totally gone. The hot fomentations dilated the ureter and allowed the stone to pass. Please try this only under a doctor's supervision.

12) A cold footbath aids in bladder and kidney bleeding.

13) A mud bath to the whole body (except the head) is helpful in removing wastes and takes a load off overworked kidneys.

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We have many products, which help promote excellent kidney health. To view and order these products, please select your preferred manufacturer below. To order on-line, simply click on the add to cart button below each product. Our products can also be ordered by calling us at (323) 661-1183.

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